Welcome to the 4D Lab!

The 4D Lab consists of researchers from the Department of Psychology at North Carolina State University. Our research group is interested in how industrial-organizational psychology and information technology can be combined to improve opportunities to participate in the world of work in a meaningful and productive way.

As specialists in Humanitarian Work Psychology, we are convinced that human welfare can be fundamentally improved through work and organizations. Under the right circumstances, work can be a source of psychological as well as economic empowerment. A people-centered, evidence-based approach is needed to align the interests of workers, organizations, and societies in mutually beneficial ways.

Our efforts are closely linked with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which collectively focus on things such as poverty reduction, gender equality, environmental sustainability, lifelong learning, and access to decent work and economic growth. As 4D scientists, we are passionate about developing and applying behavioral insights to the world of work in order to support the sustainable growth and development of individuals, organizations, communities, and the countries in which they reside.

Clickhere to watch a video of the 4D Lab director Dr. Lori Foster discussing the important synergies realized through teaching and research devoted to work, psychology, technology, and global development.

About US

4D has a double meaning. First, it stands for “for development.” Our research group is interested in how industrial-organizational psychology and information technology can be combined to improve work that is carried out for the purpose of global development. Second, it represents the 4 Dimensions of our lab: Work, Psychology, Technology, and Global Development. Our research studies are situated at the intersection of these four dimensions.

Our Mission

To improve human welfare through research at the intersections of work, psychology, information technology, and global development.

Our Vision

We envision a world in which:

Information technology enhances our work lives.

Work improves our personal lives.

Our work and personal lives contribute positively to the world around us.

Our Goals

To accomplish our mission and realize our vision, the 4D Lab:

Recruits, trains, develops, and prepares top talent for careers in industrial-organizational psychology.

Designs, executes, and disseminates rigorous and relevant research.

Promotes fun and productivity through an atmosphere of optimism, openness, collaboration, hard work, respect, and creativity.

Lori Foster

Lori is a professor with a passion for fostering potential through work, psychology, and technology.